The Hunger Games Movie Reaction - THIS WAS THRILLING! - First Time Watching

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hey guys! Welcome to my (Ari) first time delving into the world of The Hunger Games! Thank you so much for showing some love, it truly means the world to us. If you enjoyed hit that like button (it's free and it helps us out a ton!) And if you're feeling extra generous subscribe to catch the next reactions. If you'd like to support the channel and gain access to the full length reaction become a member of our patreon bit.ly/3ICVrJ6

[@derrisreaditbefore]

I'm way late to discovering your channel, but I've been watching (and hitting the like button!) for a while now. I'm commenting NOW because of the dynamic where Denise has seen the film (and read the books), and you Ari, haven't. I LOVED that sneaky side eye she was giving when you would sense the foreshadowing, and the cheeky grin when you went where the director wanted you to go instead. As a massive fan of the books too, I found that incredibly satisfying. I'm off to watch the reactions to the rest of the story, I enjoy spending time with you both.

[@JeffreyLong]

Man, it would be awesome if you guys reacted to the Battle Royale movies too. Very similar plot, but came out a handful of years earlier, and are also fantastic movies.

[@donnyc99]

So the wolf mutts at the end, the movie glossed over this and it’s pretty damn disturbing but resemble a tribute who had died in that year's Games, wearing a collar marked with the district number, and they had remarkably human eyes. So basically they are made from the dead tributes. Crazy stuff

[@BGTitanAvatar]

Something I wished they’d touched on more in the movie is how Districts 1 and 2, the wealthiest districts, basically train their kids to fight in the Games and volunteering there is super common. It’s seen as a high honor. A chance at glory. So people like Cato of course are super stoked and take pleasure in the Games…. Until the end when he figured out he was just another pawn in the system. He’s dead either way essentially, like he says.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Absolutely agreed on this one!! There are sadly a lot of things like that that were glazed over in the movie, which is understandable as they would have had to make some drastic choices in what to keep for time's sake. It is definitely a shame that they didn't stress that part enough... I was also a bit miffed that they never mentioned the mutts and their 'origins' at the end of this hunger games. It highlights the Capitol's cruelty and utter recklessness on limits. They will do just about anything - and it'll be packaged like entertainment.

[@BGTitanAvatar]

@@OfficialMediaKnights Yeah the Mutts are another thing I wish we could've got more expansion on but like you said, only so much time.

[@TrackpadProductions]

it's pretty much a given that when you adapt from book to film, you're _gonna_ have to take a lot of stuff out. The Huner Games book series is pretty damn exposition-heavy. And it works in the books, because they're first person, and consist largely of her inner monologue - she can take an aside to just straight-up explain something to the reader. But in the film, exposition that can be delivered in a single sentence might take up entire scenes, and the film is already almost two and a half hours as it is. Not to mention there's often not a lot of options for how to do it seamlessly without interrupting the flow of the film. Like the mutts - important as they might be in the book, it's a lot more complicated to try to get it across to an audience in a way they could understand without straight up having a character just monologue it.

[@balladsnowfox7714]

​@OfficialMediaKnights yeah the simplification of the Mutts and Catos death are a bit disappointing to me but the bleak things the book touched on in that aspect may have made this far above a 15

[@edisonlima4647]

Not to mention him training his whole life only to find out that a couple of underdogs pretending to be in love became the favorite just because. He acts quite well the "my whole world was a lie, so I don't care about dying anymore".

[@LS13.]

The political is so strong within this, people go in expecting just some gladiator games but it’s a TON of political/media storylines. This movie is ahead of it’s time and it very much parallels to our lives in many senses. It makes the movie SO amazing, not some dumb action/dystopian flick. It gets even better too

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

I appreciate that we delve into the real conflict which is the political one which is then accentuated by what happens in the games. This movie does the clever thing and forces us to be spectators of the game as well. Adding in a weird way a bit of meta commentary. We are not so different than that dystopian world. Can’t wait to see where they take this!

[@LS13.]

@@OfficialMediaKnights Yes, a great way of putting that! Thank you for the reactions 🔥

[@Melanie_446]

So true, and love the Jimin pf🤗

[@logan4231]

Exactly. It’s a story about propaganda, surveillance, and how acts of cruelty can be justified through entertainment/desensitization

[@logan4231]

Even the love triangle is an expression of war perspectives. violence/retribution (gale) vs. empathy/diplomacy (Peeta). When she says to gale that she’s only hunted animals and he says “it’s no different” it’s very telling of his character.

[@oceanelune]

I really wish they would have kept the scene where District 11 sent Katniss bread after Rue died (it’s in the book and deleted scenes), to thank her for trying to help Rue survive and the care Katniss showed her in death. The people of District 11 didn’t have much, but pooled their resources to support her. Katniss is our hero, but Rue’s death plays such a instrumental role, not only in Katniss’s evolution, but sparking change in their society.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes!! See, having that moment in would have really driven home why Snow detected so early on that Katniss would be a threat to the system of the Capitol. It was also such a unique moment for a district to send something to someone who is not from their district, which in turn would have made the beginnings of a revolution even clearer!

[@Aaron-hv4hr]

Katniss may be hallucinating but she has more sense than most horror movie protagonists by grabbing that bow lmao

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Ahahaha facts!!!

[@penguincgm489]

If you re-watch this one , the scene where Haymitch told Peeta to embrace the death going in the hunger game, the look in his eyes is much more heartbreaking😭 Knowing that aside from his own trauma from the game, he was also a mentor for district 12 for 25 years, seeing dozens of kids that he took care of died again and again every year😭

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

That poor man had to live a rough life! Glad to know he found peace 😪

[@mattc3581]

At that point only being an alcoholic is pretty impressive. You'd have to be pretty messed up by this point.

[@akhnatenpage4854]

​@mattc3581 yeah, most of the Victor's are drug addicts or otherwise messed up mentally.

[@monil2447]

Peeta was way too smart to die. I had forgotten how clever this character is. But I will never forget that I fell in love with Jennifer Lawrence with this movie. Her acting is so subtle and... I can't find the words. This woman is such a wonderful actress. Have you guys seen Don't Look up? I recommend it!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes!! Peeta's character is so wonderfully written. I adored his intelligence, how savvy he was when it came to playing the game to endear/manipulate the Capitol. But man, Jennifer Lawrence in this is breathtaking. The amount of layers there are in her performance is just stunning! We have actually not seen Don't Look Up!! We might react to it very soon actually, great recommendation! Thank you! Also, always nice to see your comments!! ❤️

[@jlerrickson]

"Don't Look Up" is a fantastic choice, especially if you understand politics and you enjoy satire or black comedy. It's bloody brilliant and doesn't get enough love.

[@jessicamagri8211]

She’s also really great in Silver Linings Playbook. It’s one of my favorite movies.

[@YenellyT]

@@jlerrickson agreeee

[@Dead_Mans_Holly]

As someone who had read and loved all of the books, I loved watching Denise's face at all the plot-heavy scenes!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha it was so hard to try and not give away anything to Ari, especially with how on point some of his commentary was 😂 it was such a joy to rewatch this! I LOVE the books and the movies!

[@fumblingtitan1411]

there were so many good faces! they could make a YT shorts mega cut of her anticipating Mr Knights reaction XD

[@chrissie627]

Denise's face at "well at least she's okay" and just before the last rule change 😂 just like "oh honey sweetie...." 😂😂😂

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hahah it was honestly nearly impossible to keep my mouth shut and not spoil anything 😂

[@that.ll_do_pig]

It's interesting how some people think that Peeta is with the careers for himself...it was always an attempt to keep them _away_ from Katniss but the gamemaker forced her close to them. Even his "she has to come down sometime" seemed, to me, like an obvious attempt to protect her. 🙃

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Oh definitely agreed - Peeta's priority was Katniss' safety throughout, though establishing that confusion did add an interesting layer to the story!

[@purcascade]

We are seeing Peeta from Katniss's POV. She didn't trust anyone to help ever since her mother fell apart after the father's death.

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

100% agreed

[@Jakado]

I think it was a tactical move from Peetas side as well to not just get killed immidiatly.

[@sarahmoller7308]

Katniss is so damn brave. An introvert like her, who has thront herself in the spotlight to save her sister, had to play pretend 24/7 so she could get sponsors and survive this 'game'... She almost never allowed herself one single moment of weakness; not in the games and not in her district. Such a strong and remarkable girl, and she was like this from a very early age. No child should grow up under such circumstances to survive and take care of a starving family.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes!! You can see that she experienced a lot of parentification in the way she's had to support and care for Prim, especially after her father died. She's truly a remarkable character and easily one of my favorite heroines!

[@maymayyyy]

its important to remember that they gave katniss a high score not because they liked her, but because by doing so, it put a target on her back and the others would want to take her down first. they didnt like the fact she did something so disrespectful towards them, so they wanted her gone

[@EmyN]

That’s only on Catching Fire

[@udraj914]

@@EmyN nope, in Catching Fire they gave her 12, for the same purpose. Both times, they wanted her targeted

[@AlexisVandom]

Josh Hutcherson improvised the "I'll take the bow" joke, so what you saw was Jennifer's genuine reaction. He told a lot of jokes during takes, but that one was just too good to cut.

[@a.g.demada5263]

Oh, that's great. I like that type of improvisation

[@gabyy21laverde]

Maybe someone already said this, but the hand signal is a sign of respect for the dead. So when Katniss volunteers and the old man do this, he was acknoledging her death and hounoring her for her sacrifice for her sister. Is so heartbreaking

[@maliedelgado2658]

“She looks like she just came out of a Tim Burton production” “Or a Met Gala” Some of the most accurate descriptions of Effie I’ve ever heard 😂👏👏👏

[@ribbitgrl]

It's amazing that you likened the Tribute Parade to gladiators, because Suzanne Collins has said she based the Capitol citizens on ancient Rome, namely their overt gaudiness and delight at watching humans die for sport.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Oh wow! Yep! I can definitely see the parallels there!

[@charlielynch3916]

The nation being called Panem was also taken from that. "Panem et circuses" being Latin for "bread and circuses", which is a phrase referring to superficial appeasement by a government to the people, much like gladiator arenas in Rome to entertain the mob whilst they starved and suffered. Exactly like how the districts are given the games to watch whilst they're impoverished. It's also kind of a nod to how our sons and daughters are sent to war whilst the rich get richer and seemingly don't care for us, however in this they make it with actual children but the metaphor still stands.

[@davidhutchinson5233]

But it's a myth that the fights in the Roman Coliseum were to the death. Often it was just who was superior over another. Remember the Roman emperor held the power to decide life or death.

[@katxiii3660]

@@davidhutchinson5233 Good gladiators are somewhat hard to come by, especially if they're likely to die within a few fights. District kids in Panem? Not so much.

[@meghanmonroe]

Even after so many watches, my favorite part is when Peeta reaches out to touch her braid the moment before they were going to eat the berries. It's just so tragic and romantic. It shows how real his love is and always was. It's a perfect gesture to illustrate the sensitivity of the baker's boy. 😍

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

Omg yes it was so adorable

[@gailseatonhumbert]

I enjoyed your comments about the handheld camera shots. Many reactors don't get it.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

We’re huge fans of the expression of emotion through choices in cinematography! The handheld feel was a perfect way to convey the uncertainty and anxiety of the situation. Masterfully done. Also loved how it juxtaposes with the shots we get in the capitol which are way more polished. Thank you for watching!

[@cici_tlb4009]

The one thing i wish the movies explained better was the three finger salute. It was originally for funerals, so for Katniss to see it after volunteering was basically her watching her own funeral in her mind. Jennifer portrays the moment well, but the movie doesn’t fully explain the meaning letting it go unnoticed.

[@xqui-gon_gym6585]

In history, Seneca was the mentor of young Roman emperor Nero. Eventually, he was falsefully blamed for contributing to a conspiracy against Nero. That's why he was forced into suicide by drinking poison. Just like SENECA Crane, the head gamemaster, was forced into suicide by eating those berries. It's incredible how much ancient lore Suzanne Collins put into The Hunger Games series.

[@saikoteeki]

I'm glad he gave it another shot and went in with an open mind. It didn't seem like my thing back then either, but I got into the movies and books through my daughter and ended up really digging them as well as the Divergent and Maze runner series. Awesome reaction.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

I’m so happy I did! The premise sucked me in and I really liked the commentary throughout. Can’t wait to see where the saga goes next! Thank you for watching this with us 😃

[@morinthshepard6567]

I loved Maze Runner too but the books were way better :) Hunger Games was adapted better alltough they left out some things I would have liked to see

[@mochiyeosang1908]

​@@morinthshepard6567 I watched the first and second movies first (both of which I thought were amazing) unfortunately before starting to read the books. I liked the first one but the second one was too jarring to me when compared to the movie, so I had to stop reading.

[@KS-xk2so]

The thing with Haymitch and his apathy at the start is not only did he have his own trauma when he won, but as the ONLY winner from 12, he's been forced to be the "coach" for every single set of District 12 Tributes since his Games, and had to watch them get slaughtered, again and again, while being a part of this whole disgusting system. He may have genuinely tried to prepare and help his first few charges with all his knowledge and effort, but eventually after repeated failures, he just gave up.....

[@Renaronaaa]

Actually, Haymitch is the second winner from 12

[@KS-xk2so]

@@Renaronaaa *ONLY living and known winner then. My point remains the exact same regardless.

[@fertlkj]

I have an enormous love for this trilogy because thanks to the movies, I read the books and thanks to the books I completely fell in love with reading when I was like 12 haha

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha omg that is the best!! I remember when the first book came out and once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down, I finished it in a day and a half! The utter love I have for this trilogy is honestly immense, it's so nice to see how many feel the same way about this!

[@genny5309]

13:08 The kids from wealthier districts have a definite advantage in getting gifts from sponsors. It’s beyond the means of almost everyone in places like Districts 11 and 12. 14:29 They’re celebrating the 11, but it also made her the biggest target for the “careers” from Districts 1 & 2.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Absolutely great points! The kids from Disctricts 1 and 2 have leaps of advantages beyond the kids from other districts, and that truly does increase their odds of survival - sponsors and their training for the games is just the tip of the iceberg! Katniss doing well during the assessments definitely made her a target, as she's also one of the few who has an implementable skilk in the arena (bow and arrow). This story has so many layers that, upon rewatch, you get to truly see the depth of the Capitol's depravity...

[@mochiyeosang1908]

In the movie it makes it seem like they gave her an 11 because they liked her, but it's more clear in the book that they gave her that score because they wanted her targeted. You may or may not realize this as a movie only watcher when you watch the 2nd movie, when they are both given a 12.

[@MJR_365]

Some of my favorite reactors reacting to one of my favorite series? Let’s goooo!!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Aw man! That means the world to both of us! Hope you enjoy the reaction! ❤️😄

[@mariacavanaugh1010]

Nice to see more students of Media and Film discussing pop culture. Loved Denise's ability to refrain from spoilers. 😄 And Ari's quick inferences about what's next and the character motivations. That "Wow" in reaction to the bowl of berries... 😉 I also avoided the explosion of the Dystopia genre, it was a bit overwhelming, and did not watch this film until I'd read the book. In addition to HG there's also Divergent, The Maze Runner, and Handmaiden's Tale. A lot of negative vibes, but I think the fight to survive is what made them so popular.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hahaha honestly it was SO HARD to not spoil anything, I was just there like 'oh my god, wonder what will happen next?!' 😳😳😳 I (Denise) definitely got swept up in the HG craze, I remember when the first book came out and once I started, I couldn't set it down! Divergent had an interesting premise, and the first one was a success I think, but they dropped the ball really badly on the rest, which is a shame. Same thing with Maze Runner - great first one, then a collapse in quality. There is something fascinating about dystopian stories, because they are an easy way to critique current sociopolitical climates so I'm always game for one that is handled well!

[@alinac5512]

I would add squid game and I would add that they work and resonate so well because in a lot of ways they are reality. And a great critique of capitalism or greed, often.

[@patriciamartinez8896]

Totally agree with the analysis about divergent and the maze runner @officialmediaknights . After THG they just were flat, not deep in symbolism and parallels

[@rbrtck]

You're supposed to be confused about Katniss' feelings for Peeta and Gale, because Katniss herself is confused.

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

True

[@diannaellis4708]

I sat down and figured it out that Haymitch was in the 50th hunger games. Over the past 24 years, he has had to mentor and watch 46 people die. It would have been 48 if Peta and Katness had lost. No wonder he's an alcoholic.

[@joshuacoldwater]

Im so happy to watch this with you- the 2nd film gets even better, the 3rd out of 4 is my favorite (it has the least amount of action but the most story building, it is essential)- any ways, hope you two are well :)

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hey! Thank you so much for watching this with us! It means a lot. I was always curious about this franchise and so far I've really been enjoying the themes. Cant wait to share Catching Fire with you guys! 😄

[@rickthatmorty2338]

I js wanna say your reactions are by far my favourite,Denise was not at all spoiling anything but you can she with the look on her face that she knew 😭Ari’s genuine reaction was fun to watch !loved all of your videos

[@henriquealbuquerque1357]

I Love how we can see the way she reacts to stuff before it happens while he's totally oblivious

[@kenai_keys]

In regards to Adding your name in for more food, It's called the Tesserae. adding your name more times, would get you a 1-persons year supply of grain, and Oil, to be collected on a monthly basis over 12 months. So you needed to be 12 years old, to be eligible for the Tesserae, and Katniss' dad died when she was 11, and her mom went comatose, so they all almost died , until peeta gave her that burnt loaf, and got beat by his mom for it. the next few days, spring came and Katniss remembered her dad knew how to hunt, so katniss went hunting . When Katniss turned 12, she signed up for the Tesserae and put her name in extra times to get rations for three people - three times the amount of names

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you so much for adding this, it's so cool to get to share all this lore with Ari, and I get to remember things I missed to mention during the reaction!

[@kenai_keys]

@@OfficialMediaKnights funny enough this comment was meant for a different video of someone who didn’t understand the tesserae my bad😂. BUT I found yalls channel because I love THG reaction videos and y’all’s is one of my favorites because of how pure Ari was and the panic looks when you’re trying not to spoil it 😂 new fan right here

[@anonomas6126]

And it’s cumulative once you get your name in it just grows and grows until you age out.

[@Rainbow.Pegacorn.Cosplay]

I've said this in the past, but it's always true: Donald Sutherland makes a really good villain as President Snow. It's kind of the same Paradox with Imelda Staunton/Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter: a delightful actor playing such a vile, despicable character.

[@yxeaviationphotog]

Absolutely loved Donald Sutherland as Snow.

[@Rainbow.Pegacorn.Cosplay]

@@yxeaviationphotog How is it that villains are scarier when they're calm and collected?

[@yxeaviationphotog]

@@Rainbow.Pegacorn.Cosplay Exactly! Shows they are so cold and calculated, but also eventually exposes their overconfidence with regards to how in control they think they really are. You see this in Snow during Mockingjay, especially part two......he knows he's losing control and gets desperate to hold onto power. But you also have to admire how he saw what Coin was doing before Katniss did.

[@Rainbow.Pegacorn.Cosplay]

@@yxeaviationphotog And he eerily foreshadows that Coin would become a worse dictator than he was

[@GamzeenMakara]

I wish they spoke a bit more about the fact that even District 12 is divided into rich and poor. Katniss and Gale are from the Seam, meaning they are the miners. They’ll be the ones going to Peacekeepers for more rations and getting their names out in more times. Starving and struggling while Peeta is from the Trade side. They can sew, cook, and trade a series of things meaning that they are less likely to be picked because they’ll have more access to money for goods. Meaning most people in this district chosen are the most unfortunate cause they are likely from Katniss’ side. Also, I can’t imagine what Haymitch is going through as a mentor. He’s the only person to win from 12. He’s watched kids for almost a decade be brought up and die. Knowing how he was just like them. A starving kid that fought for his life, going against kids that might just be the slightest more well-fed. Especially with the Careers, children who trained hard and then volunteered when deemed fit enough. So half the time no one in district 1 or 2 ever really worries of being picked out of the bowl because there’s already people vying for that spot to prove their worth. So I can’t imagine the relief he must have had when they both won. The horror of understanding just what they might have to go through. After all, the victors are just pretty trophies to the high paying capitol people just like Finnick was. Sent off to the highest bidder, especially when he was the youngest victor at age 14.

[@anonymos2519]

I think the part that I wish they could've leaned into in the movie was the fact that in the books, the mutated dogs/wolves are supposed to look like the fallen tributes... Was a serious mind game played by the game makers to inflict even more pain with the idea that they had to kill them all over again, especially when Katniss realizes one has Rue's eyes.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes!!! It is a shame that they took that part out - also it's a shame that they downplayed Katniss and Peeta's injuries (him losing his leg, Katniss going deaf in one ear) as it enhances the audience's understanding of the Capitol's cruelty.

[@JC-bd5my]

Can't wait to see what you guys think of the rest of the series!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

We're so excited to watch and share the rest!! Catching Fire will be out very soon!!

[@Mikayla_DeAnne]

I never read the books but this series is my all time favorite YA romance movies. Peeta was being serious. He does have a real crush on Katniss. I've had a huge crush on Josh Hutchinson way before his acting here but I fell in love with him more in these movies and I fell in love with his character Peeta. In other words, I'm team Peeta all the way! Lol 😆 I need more people to watch these movies on here! I love seeing people watch my favorite movies and hearing what they think so thanks for watching these movies! Looking forward to seeing more of my favorites!

[@livylou5011]

Ah the social commentary of this series is truly amazing. I love that you guys are reacting to this. This was the book series that got me into reading.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Oh my goodness, could not agree more!! We are so happy we got to react to this and share it with y'all, so glad you enjoyed! I remember (Denise) when I got the first book and could not put it down - the books are phenomenally written!

[@electrickalice]

Huge fan of the series here, thank you so much for this reaction! You watched it with a serious enough attitude while also being able to lightly joke about things at the right time, this is the perfect reaction style that I like! Keep up the great channel 👏🏼

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you so much for watching with us! It brightens our day to see you guys enjoying these reactions and that you appreciate the style. It means a ton! ❤️

[@yasminehl89]

Soooo much hype for this and even more excited to see the reactions to the next movies! I definitely spent about six years without rewatching any of them and just recently fell into the whole universe all over again. Denise, your expressions throughout were magnificent, and I love seeing it all through a first view perspective too. Loved it, thanks guys!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yasmine! Thank you for watching! It was so much fun to have this new dynamic! And we’re so glad to hear you enjoyed❤️

[@xiaojunjuly_]

you're one of my favourite reactors, the quality of your commentaries is amazing ! it's so satisfying to hear your thoughts and your vision of the movies/series ! thank you for your work 🙏🏾🤎

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Oh my goodness this comment!!! Thank you so so very much for your kind words. It truly makes our day when we read things like these!! We are truly so glad you enjoy our reactions and commentaries. We wouldn't be here without you!

[@jonathanpowell7256]

Haymich won 25 years ago, so he’s had to mentor 24 other tributes from District 12 and watch them all die.

[@tilltronje1623]

48 actually

[@Ryanrichey13]

I love the dynamic where she has seen the movie and you (Ari) haven't. She plays it so perfectly and doesn't give anything away, but has fun reactions knowing what comes next :)

[@kimmcsharry4256]

I just subbed to your channel because of this reaction. It's one of the best reactions I've ever seen to this movie because you caught on to so many details that are missed by others. Such an entertaining way to spend my Sunday morning, thank you!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you for choosing us and for your kind words! We truly appreciate it!

[@clairebonang-langille5695]

Same! And I notice you guys watch a lot of the same things I watch. So I’ll have to go check out some old videos too! Can’t wait for Catching Fire!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha awesome!! Catching Fire is gonna be out real soon!!

[@TabaquiJackal906]

Love this movie! So awesome to see it here. I think that, despite the utter horror of children being pitted against each other in 'to the death' games, the most BRUTAL thing about the games is how traumatized, often half-starved and overworked 'tributes' are forced to PARTICIPATE in the whole horror show. They have to smile, they have to be upbeat, they have to make people LIKE THEM, all while knowing they are most likely going to die, and die in ways both cruel and grotesque, while their 'fans' watch and salivate.

[@YenellyT]

as someone who didn't read the books because I did not know about them until after the movies sadly, i'm excited to hear all your extra details from the books lol

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha in our full length reaction on Patreon, we spend a solid chunk just going through certain moments I (Denise) missed from the books so we'll be sure to include more of those moments in our YT reactions!

[@rbrtck]

The purpose of the Hunger Games is to remind the people that they're not in control of their own lives, and can be forced to do things they normally would never do, or even become people they never would have been--all of this while giving them something small to root for, a small bit of hope that in conjunction with fear helps keep them in line. With only fear and no hope, they might rebel, and with too much hope, they might also rebel.

[@edisonlima4647]

It took me a few viewings to get that they changed the rules twice to warrant that Katnys and Peeta would survive until the end but that one would have to kill the other, in order to show live on tv that the victor is not a real hero. The idea that you HAVE to carry the death of someone from your own district to survive stopping the victors from being seen as a true hero was possibly the smartest bit of writing on the games.

[@tilltronje1623]

Not really. It was for the entertainment of the Capitol. No one sees the victors as heroes anyways

[@katieb.024]

0:53 so, little quick fun story about me. My name is Katie, I have brown hair, and i live in a house surrounded by trees/woods. As a kid, I loved these movies and also wanted to be Katniss. Conveniently, my brother made a homemade wooden bow at a camp, and wooden arrows that were flat that had erasers on the end of them. It was actually pretty good for what is was, and i lovedddd to shoot it around outside. One day, me, brother, and mom were outside, and i was playing with the bow. We have a porch with a doorway, the rest surrounded by screen. My mom was standing in the doorway, and i felt it a good idea to aim for the porch screen. Instead, I hit my mom right on her collar bone or just a bit below. She was heavily mad, but only bruised. I was nicknamed Katniss for about 2 years by her. Lol. I felt bad, but got a cool nickname 😂

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hahahaha oh my goodness, you ARE Katniss!! Also damn, you almost got that bull's-eye, glad your mom was just bruised 😂 this story was actually awesome, it definitely gave us a good laugh! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@katieb.024]

@@OfficialMediaKnights Thank YOU for reading and responding!!! I loved the video 🫶🏼❤️

[@Ebbagull]

I really wish they had let Peeta lose his leg, like in the book. The story later on doesn't make sense if he's completely able-bodied...

[@anonomas6126]

I agree they really shortchanged his character by not disclosing his abuse by his mom and the loss of his leg.

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

Totally agree!!

[@Lina_unchained]

As a black Jewish woman, the parallels to the Hunger Games (the oppression of the people in the districts) with many of the trials and struggles of the Jewish people and the black American struggle that still exists. It's awesome to watch people react and see the deeper meanings and parallels to the real world that are behind everything in the story, too and not just the YA entertainment value of it.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Could not agree more!! The books themselves actually have even more references and metaphors to a multitude of struggles. It is interesting to note, that the ones in outlier districts are described with olive skin, and also darker shades. The race aspect was more subtle but it was definitely there! Katniss is described with olive skin and grey eyes - if we consider also that her strength is in knowing nature and hunting (her signature weapon being the bow and arrow) - she wears different kinds of braids with her long dark hair, it's easy to understand that it is strongly suggested that she is of Native American descent, as are many others. This of course, opens up the discussion how ethical it is to cast predominantly white people but alas, here we are. Though race isn't explicitly mentioned it is absolutely an undercurrent of a theme and it goes hand in hand with the abusive powers of the Capitol. Reading things like these is always encouraging, because of the political climate we find ourselves not only in the US, but also globally. Racism, Xenophobia, Classism and Anti-Semitism are still running rampant and by interweaving those issues with the story, it helps educate others on the struggles of real people. Thank you for your comment and sharing your experience! It means the world to us!

[@breezymango4113]

The Irish and Chinese also had a lot of struggles and mistreatment.

[@myroselle6987]

Gary Ross is brilliant in the way he directs this. The camera movements etc. He also did a wonderful job on “Seabiscuit”. He was able to take us up close and personal to view one of the most dangerous sports there is. Especially in the 30’s and 40’s an ambulance followed the horses in each race…just in case. I love Seabiscuit… the movie and the real horse!!!!

[@rbrtck]

Katniss was crowned by the president himself because the Hunger Games are the biggest political deal there is. This is all about preserving the power structure by giving the districts fear laced with just the right amount of hope, no more and no less.

[@myroselle6987]

Suzanne Collins is wonderful!! I love that she got the idea for this story watching tv and switching between war coverage and reality tv. If things keep going as they are… how far from this are we??

[@ThatBlackPiano]

So many people be hating on Distinct 1, but the truth is they are just as tortured as all other districts. They are required to LOOK like they’re doing fine, living a “bubbly” and opulent lifestyle, when they are having to over indulge themselves to the point of making themselves sick and have to pretend they’re enjoying the games. They’re not allowed to say negative things about their situation as they are regularly being captured and turned into slaves/avoxes (people that get their tongues cut out and are then forced to be a servant). Haymitch Abernathy was District 12's second and only living Hunger Games victor for 23 years, 40 years prior to the 74th Hunger Games, during the same year the 34th Hunger Games were held, having won the second Quarter Quell before Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the 74th Hunger Games under his mentorship. There is no information regarding his childhood and early teenage years, although it is known that he is from the Seam of District 12, and had a younger brother, a mother, and a girlfriend. Two weeks after he was crowned victor of the Second Quarter Quell, Haymitch's mother, younger brother, and girlfriend were ALL killed by President Snow because of the the manner in which he’d accidentally won/outsmarted the District 1 victor, and was perceived as an act of defiance that made the Capitol look foolish. For the next 23 years, Haymitch mentored the tributes for District 12 alone, to poor results. Due to the horror of his Games, his grief over his family's and girlfriend's deaths, and the overwhelming guilt he felt from being obligated to participate in the Games he hated while each and every one of his mentored tributes died in them, Haymitch turned to alcoholism to cope with his issues and feelings. His constant state of drunkenness and his failure as a mentor earned him the ire and embarrassment of his district. In the years following his victory, Haymitch began sleeping with a knife in his hand and as Katniss later mentions, sentenced himself to a self-imposed state of solitary confinement by refusing to let anyone into his house and isolating himself from the rest of District 12. During his time as mentor, Haymitch grew close with a number of his fellow victors, particularly Chaff of District 11, victor of the 45th Hunger Games, with whom he would regularly get drunk. The beasts/dogs that attacked at the end of the games are “mutts” made out of parts of dead victors and citizens. In other words Snow is disgusting.😅

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes to all of the above!! In our full length reaction on Patreon we spoke a little about what you mentioned above, in particular how the mutts came to be (which had Ari shook, putting it mildly). Haymitch is such a fascinating character. The books and the movies do an incredible job handling grief, trauma and PTSD in such a realistic yet gripping way, it's truly upsetting but so important. This story, the books and movies, are easily one of my favorite series out there!

[@heinleinreader]

I always thought Effie looked more like a character from a Federico Fellini film than anything else. But that's just my opinion. Just thought I would let you know. The kid playing Cato is the same kid that played the brother in Race To Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino. The sister in that film is AnnaSophia Robb.

[@MarieFara]

My husband brought up that Seneca Crane is Jamie in Yellowstone. I didn't realize it until he mentioned it.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Yes!! Wes Bentley is such a versatile actor, it's crazy how much stuff he's been in!!

[@persgodiva]

I will never not love watching people react to the Hunger Games :) Your commentary was super interesting too, thank you guys!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support, we are so glad you enjoyed our video!!

[@gabrielhpolez]

I’m new to the channel and I have to say that I found it really cool how attentive you guys are to the small details! Great video!

[@touchstoneaf]

Obviously you get more of this in the books (as one of you already knows)... but there are parts of these books and this whole film series that really get so deeply into being an allegory for a lot of our current society in so many ways. There is a short story written by Stephen King under a pen name when he was younger called The Running Man (which was made into a terrible Schwarzenegger film in the 80s that lost most of its impact), but between The Running Man and this series,it kind of shows us where we're going and how terrible it is, where we are actually headed with all of this reality TV sh1t; and the fact that wars are essentially televised now. A lot of these a lot of counselors for soldiers and their families actually encouraged the families to read these books in order to understand what soldiers are going through when they come back home, and how they have to try to integrate back into society after all the things they've dealt with (as you'll see more and more as the series progresses. I'm assuming y'all are going to continue them if you haven't already). Also, that they go into so much about editing the story out of what actually happens, what's true and what isn't when we watch reality TV in order to force a narrative; like for instance they are obviously not going to (we hope) show them peeing and all of that stuff; they would edit that out... but they're also editing a story *into* it a lot of the time. The last thing that I think is really important in here, which they get more into in the book, aside from the psychological warfare aspect of this, and the being drafted as a soldier aspect of this, and what teenagers go through who shouldn't have to go through any of this because they are poor, and so the only way out of your town was to be a soldier (which is what happened a lot where I grew up in the middle of nowhere in Idaho; you got to be a logger or a rancher or a soldier, and that was really the only career possibilities for anybody, close to the way they show essentially the rich and the children of senators who don't have to go to war at all and are Exempted), but then you have people like Cato who, I know he seems hateful in this, but when you think about it he was essentially the stand-in for people who raise their kids to believe that war is glorious and doing their duty by their country is wondrous and a wonderful career path, and so they go in so brainwashed that when they realize they're actually just part of the machine and fodder for the system just like the people who were conscripted, and they're going to end up in the same place and are being just as used... And so Cato kind of stands for that person; the soldier who's all gung-ho, "Murica!"... and then realizes that all he is is just a tool created to kill others with whom they have a lot more in common than they don't... and thus he's not any better than the person who's forced to do this. There are so many important political statements in these films and books, and I think everybody should be required to watch them at least if not read them.

[@ramon.rnt1992]

Man i saw this movie when i was younger and the trend that followed made me dislike it, but now watching it as an adult and more mature makes me appreciate this movie SOO much more!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Haha I can definitely understand that it was overwhelming (though that didn't stop me, (Denise) I was a hardcore fan!!). Rewatching these now however, having lived through major life experiences myself, it is truly commendable how they handled so many complicated human emotions, grief, ptsd, trauma...

[@dablackangel]

Absolutely same... I watched it when it first came out and was like meh... re-watched this year because of watching reactors watch it... and now I'm totally obsessed with this franchise.

[@kitakoproductions8894]

Honestly this is one of the FEW franchises that got so much hype where it was truly deserved!! Even 10 years later, the movies still holds up!

[@ramon.rnt1992]

@@kitakoproductions8894 after binge watching the series... i 100% agree!!

[@dave5670]

Cato was doing what was expected of him. It was his life’s purpose to fight in the games a purpose that was chosen for him.

[@jamesamelia2812]

These scenes in District 12 at the beginning of the film, not the reaping, are like 25 minutes from my house! The reaping is in Shelby, NC and the beginning scenes are at Henry Ford Mill in Burke County, NC. The arena scenes are in and around Asheville, NC and Transylvania County!

[@carolinemasson7172]

ngl Rue's death, and when Katniss stands up and places her fingers to her lips then to the sky, one of the most powerful scenes in cinema imo. So powerful for district 11 to see that someone cares, someone understands - and is the spark that causes revolution.

[@Diablo22967]

R.I.P Donald Sutherland, Such a good Villian

[@cairothetiefling_]

The riots in district eleven were started by rue’s father after he saw her die

[@roxnaz]

Denise's face all the time: 'Oh you sweet summer child' :D Can't wait for you guys to react to Catching fire!

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Hahaha rewatching it was TOUGH - I had to focus so much on not spoiling anything the entire time, but some of Ari's questions and comments just had me all 😳😳😬😬🤐🤐

[@cmcgccjsl]

Refreshing to have reactors that gets why the bloodbath at the start of the games is in shaky cam and actually notices the extreme violence opposed to the wanting the steady cam with no appreciation for what the shaky cam adds to the scene and what it protects the audience from. I didn't need to see a bunch of younger kids butchered by the much older career pack. Great reaction as always!

[@jalen.0609]

it‘s nice to see a reaction where you can see that you read the books and also fully understand the story and it‘s comparison to our world which was the intent of the books from the beginning

[@Krisishere]

Not only did this franchise spawn a great book & movie series, it is also the inception of the greatest mini game ever, Minecraft Hunger/Survival Games

[@liammcfarlane13]

I feel like Woody Harrelson does a great job at playing Haymitch, I just wish the movies would have gone into his backstory a little more to explain why he's so traumatised. He won the 50th Hunger Games at age 16 and since it was a Quarter Quell there were twice as many tributes - he used a loophole to win and the capitol saw it as an act of defiance so his family and girlfriend were killed. Following that he had to mentor tributes from district 12 every year meaning he trained 46 kids and sent them off to their deaths - it's no surprise he tries to distance himself from them and doesn't want to become too attached

[@orphanedhanyou]

I know many people need to be spoon fed info, but all that is easily deduced as the story unfolds.

[@username15yearsago52]

Jennifer Lawrence was the highest paid actress in the world for a few years while playing Katniss. She deserved it. She played this role so well.

[@marykatedoyle9574]

One of my very few criticisms of this series is that they didn’t include Katniss’s hearing loss and Peeta losing his leg and them grappling with disability after the games in the movies. But this series is amazing, and so, so important. You guys were so great at picking out the important threads!

[@orphanedhanyou]

Her hearing was healed after she won though. For the pacing for the movie I think they gave enough hint at those kinds of issues but didn't have us just watching another hour of all the times she was just wandering in the forest. The quicker end going from yay they won to Katniss hearing oh they think I made them look bad and Donald Sutherland sending us of with a clear plot on his mind was great for the movie vs having to break down his leg being gone (and that Katniss didn't know until on stage) & have another longer interview scene with Ceasar.

[@SIMMIS_0316]

this has been one of my favorite reactions to this movie. Having one of you that read the book and one of you that hasn't is a great dynamic.

[@ImSoberOfficer]

I wonder how Haymich was as a mentor early on and how much of him having to win the games played into his sour personality vs having to mentor years and years of "victors" all to their death

[@billyg3230]

wwatching this reactions to me it looks like Dinece is getting more excitement explaining this world to him than wwatching the movie itself

[@emr0se]

Jennifer Lawrence was meant for this role. She is such an amazing actress I’m just stunned every time I watch these movies omg

[@wrustria]

instantly rolling your eyes at gale is the correct response😂

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

Hahaha truee he’s the worst

[@tilltronje1623]

​@@rachelrosenstein9975not even close

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

@@tilltronje1623 very close, accurate actually

[@tilltronje1623]

@@rachelrosenstein9975 sure, Capitol apologist

[@rachelrosenstein9975]

@@tilltronje1623 hey if you consider this an insult then you can enjoy yourself dude😂

[@gardenia3044]

It was funny you mentioned characters looking like they're from a Tim Burton film - the makeup artist for the trilogy was Ve Neil, she did the makeup for every Johnny Depp movie he did with Tim Burton. And most of the rest of Johnny Depps films, as well - Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean (all of them, I think), she did the makeup for Beetlejuice - she's the best character/special effects makeup artist in the industry. Multiple Emmy awards.

[@BlaiddDrwg2009]

Ahh that's interesting! Considering how eccentric the Capitol characters are I'm glad someone like that assisted.

[@rbrtck]

Snow doesn't care about tradition, per se. The purpose of this tradition is to maintain his power and way of life, at the expense of most of the people of Panem.

[@thecomplainerdv]

hahah i love your reactions girl bc u know and see his face or see if his theory is right. i had found helped took away my depression so the whole video

[@Flynn380_]

Loved this reaction. Denise has the BEST facial expressions when she knows something that Ari comments on and it's wrong or will be different (love the zoom in too.. :D). Absolutely love that about you two. Keep up the great work.

[@Thepirireis]

Considering all the deaths in the Games, it was refreshing that the producers showed restraint in the actual killings. Not as graphic as intimated. 👏🏻👏🏻 It could’ve been much gorier.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

True - they definitely were a bit more conservative with the violence. The violence is implied and I do believe that it gets the point across quite successfully!

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

The sequence of the kids entering the field and the sheer terror conveyed by the cinematography is superb. I wish more films would emphasize the absolute horror of sudden violence, but this is up there with the beach landing scene in Saving Private Ryan and the duel between Paris and Menlaus in Troy.

[@qdkdicja10]

20 minutes in and I’m loving the commentary so much, but it’s to be expected because ever since I subscribed to you guys a few days ago I have been gobbling up all your videos like a hungry gremlin. Love your works!

[@shep4life]

I forgot how good this soundtrack is

[@BrittanyArtPoetry]

Three things that they didn’t really explain in the movie. The salute she first gave when she volunteered as tribute was a funeral salute used to send the dead on their way. She didn’t expect to survive, and they where honouring her sacrifice. And in the books the dog creatures at the end where genetically engineered, and one of them had Rues eyes. Finally Cato and some of the others were raised to be a tribute from a young age, as the winning tribute gets incredible wealth- for them and their family, and as expected they then volunteered for the death arena. That kind of childhood really messed them up, and explains why they are so blasé about killing- and so skilled. Anyways I hope you watch the next film, while the first is definitely my favourite the others are still good.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thanks so much for sharing this, it's awesome to show all of these facts with Ari, especially the ones I missed during the reaction!

[@GamzeenMakara]

YES! I wish they talked more about the mutts because they literally used parts of the tributes dead bodies to construct them. And that this isn’t anything new from the capitol. Using psychological warfare along with the trials they put people through. The eyes, their fur being the hair color, and even the slight shapes of their faces to really strike people. Cause i think Cato offhandedly says Clove’s name when seeing one

[@shep4life]

Rue's death heartbreaking

[@noaaa7]

I hate it when I watch a reaction and the person who has seen the movie explains things to the person who hasn't. The point is to watch a raw reaction.

[@TheCoasterGays]

Stumbled upon y'all last night after having one of the roughest weeks of my life. You guys watch movies that I LOVE and it was instantly like watching movies with best friends. You guys commented on things I usually only see. I watched Twister and Signs with you and it eased my heart so much. I know these videos may seem super simple to some. But to others like myself, they really are, watching movies with true friends. Thank you.

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

That truly means a lot to us. We’ve been through some rough times and watching some of our favorite content here on YT has helped us through it and is part of the reason we do this ourselves. We are so glad we were able to provide you with some comfort. We wish you all the strength and the best of luck, thank you for watching these with us ❤️

[@TheCoasterGays]

And that right there is why I will now consider you friends of the heart. Thank you for this response, which is right in the middle of watching Hunger Games with you. Can't wait for this new journey. thank you for being a part of the ride.

[@rhonafenwick5643]

Such an awesome film - cinematography, score, acting... And unlike a lot of other YA fiction, the story deals head-on with really powerful and meaningful issues. It's even more potent when you understand that the story's a direct exploration of a political commentary that goes right back to ancient Rome, the idea that a complacent and selfish populace can be appeased by just throwing them "bread and circuses" (i.e. distracting the populace from more complex concerns by appealing to their basest requirements). And BTW, the poet Juvenal's original Latin phrase for "bread and circuses" was _panem et circenses_ - the Hunger Games take place in the nation of Panem.

[@revengeneutral8164]

Haymitch is such a broken human being, which is understandable because NO ONE from District 12 that he has mentored for the Games has survived since him. He was 16 when he won the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell). So over 23 years he watched 46(from his district, plus 483 others from the other districts) young men and women die. Not to mention the 23 competitors that died during his Games. Also after he won, President Snow wasn't pleased with the manner in which he won, so he had Haymitch's mother, younger brother, and girlfriend killed. That all adds up to some serious complex PTSD with alcoholic self-medicating because it's not like there are therapists in District 12.

[@howlinghoney7498]

How do you not have more subs? You deserve so much more. Just found your channel and was shocked to see it. Excited to see what you guys post in the future :)

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to say something nice. It always makes our day when you guys appreciate the content❤️

[@MsAriesQueen]

The movies are done really well but man the books !! Every scene I remember how the characters are feeling and what they are thinking, really amplifying everything. If anyone loves the movies but hasn't read the books, HIGHLY recommend. (The original trilogy)

[@shep4life]

Great books. Jennifer Lawrence is amazing. Amazing adaptation

[@brandibastian4193]

Here's the thing about volunteers if your girl didn't tell you basically they happen a lot in the low number districts where the kids basically train until they're 18 and they do it for the pride of the district it never happens in 12 because you know you're basically guaranteed to die and since this went up a year ago I know you've seen all the movies now so you know that in number two they said finnick was the youngest winner ever and he was 14 that means all the 12 year olds and 13-year-olds that get picked die now I don't know if any 14 year olds have ever lived except him but he was the youngest there was actually another winner in 12 but she's not around anymore I don't know if you've seen the prequel yet but if you know you know Oh by the way as for volunteering for a sibling it does happen occasionally I'd assume and lower number districts it never happened in 12 before like for instance Peeta he has older brothers one is too old to volunteer for him he's passed 18 butt the other one was like 17 or 18 so he could have volunteered he didn't cuz I'm sure he was like well that's suicide well I'm losing my brother In number two when we find out some of the career pack are siblings that just kind of broke my heart cuz I don't like the careers you're not supposed to like the careers but I felt so bad not for them but they're family because two years in a row they potentially lost family members who we're by some miracle able to survive when they both basically get drafted into the hunger games again and there's only one winner I mean clearly they're going to work together to make sure one of them survives but you only get one of them back if either

[@BlaiddDrwg2009]

I fell asleep a few nights ago watching someone elses Lord of the Rings reactions. Woke up to yours on autoplay, finished watching at 4am, now I'm here 😂 absolutely love how involved you are in emotions and camera angles. It was the same in Lord of the Rings. Love your reactions ❤❤

[@kpednault]

The thing about Hamish's trauma is that it's not just from the games, it's also from losing his tributes year after year

[@joshuacoldwater]

37:14 the look on your face is TERRIFIED when you say this 😂

[@urikorsikov843]

YT knows how much I love this series so this popped up on my feed today. I am SO happy I found you! This was a wonderful reaction to an incredible story. I loved your energy and emotion! Subscribed! I can't wait to see what else you're going to do! ❤

[@OfficialMediaKnights]

Thank you for showing us some love! Can’t wait to share Catching Fire with all of you! I loved it even more!